National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Lassen Volcanic National Park
Day Hikes Distance and time are round-trip. For hikes that both lose and gain elevation in one direction, a high point is noted in italics. Level of Difficulty
Dist. (mi)
Time Elevation Start/End (hrs) Change (ft) Elevation (ft)
Strenuous
7.4
5-7
Mill Creek Falls Southwest parking Descends through the Red Fir forest to an overlook of the area. Trailhead falls at 1.5 miles. Continue across Sulphur Creek to reach the behind amphitheater top of the falls.
Moderate
3.2
2-21/2 307
6,700 6,600
Ridge Lakes Steep trail climbs up a ridge and then through a ravine to Ridge Lakes nestled in a basin between Brokeoff Mountain and Mt. Diller.
Strenuous
2.0
11/2
1,045
6,955’ 8,000’
Bumpass Hell Bumpass Hell Rocky trail with grand vistas descends into a basin of Lassen’s parking area largest hydrothermal area. Boardwalk temporarily closed.
Moderate
3.0
2
300
8,200’ 8,100’ 8,400’
Lassen Peak Lassen Peak parking Steep trail of loose rock and cinder switchbacks up a ridge to area the peak. Great views on the ascent and superb panoramic views from the top.
Strenuous
4.8
3-5
1,957
8,500’ 10,457’
Cold Boiling Lake Easy trail passes through forest and meadow to this bubbling lake in an alpine basin. Tiny gas bubbles escape Lassen’s hydrothermal system below making it appear to be boiling.
Kings Creek Picnic Area. 17 miles from NW entrance; 12 miles from SW entrance
Easy
1.4
1
40
7,380’ 7,420’
Kings Creek Falls Trail crosses through Kings Creek Meadows and forests before dropping steeply down to the cascades and falls. Good wildflowers.
Pullout 17 miles from NW entrance; 13 miles N from SW entrance
Moderate
2.5
2
486
7,286’ 6,800’
Terrace, Shadow and Cliff Lakes Rocky trail through the basin between Reading Peak and Lassen Peak. Excellent views of Lassen Peak from Shadow Lake.
Pullout 21 miles from NW entrance; 10 miles from SW entrance
Moderate
3.4
3
700
8,060’ 7,360’
Mount Harkness Climbs though forest and open woodland to the peak. A staffed fire lookout and panoramic views are found at the top.
Juniper Lake campground
Strenuous
3.8
3
1,246
6,800 8,046
Crystal Lake Short ascent winds through forest to this small tarn in a rocky basin.
0.3 miles north of the Juniper Lake Campground
Easy
0.8
1
380
6,820 7,200
Inspiration Point Climbs through forest, meadow patches and a sunny bench section. The climb to the summit rewards hikers with stunning views of Lassen, Prospect Peak, Cinder Cone and Mount Harkness.
50 feet east of the Juniper Lake picnic area parking lot
Moderate
1.4
1-11/2 400
6,800 7,200
Easy
2.8
2
6,800 6,560 7,040
Summary
Trailhead Location
Southwest Area Brokeoff Mountain Mostly steep, forested trail climbs to the shoulder and then to the top of Brokeoff providing excellent panoramic views of the park and surrounding area.
Pullout ¼ mi south of SW entrance
Sulphur Works parking area. 1 mile from SW entrance
2,600
6,635 9,235
Juniper Lake Area
Horseshoe Lake Juniper Lake Picnic Easy trail climbs gently to a saddle between Juniper and Area Horseshoe Lakes. It then continues through open forest before arriving at Horseshoe Lake. Good fishing and a ranger station can be found at Horseshoe.
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